Searcys at the Gherkin
Get up close and personal with some of the city's most iconic buildings from the top floor of The Gherkin. Head to Searcy's for London-themed cocktails and some stunning champagne and enjoy panoramic views of the capital.
Expertly mixed, hand crafted and boasting some of the best views in the business? Now, that may seem like a big ask from any other city, but the noble bars of London have found the best rooftop and natural beauty spots in all of the capital. Whether it’s soaring above the city skyline or watching the Thames majestically flow on, we've whittled down some of the best places in London to drink cocktails with a view.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 16th April 2024
Get up close and personal with some of the city's most iconic buildings from the top floor of The Gherkin. Head to Searcy's for London-themed cocktails and some stunning champagne and enjoy panoramic views of the capital.
If you fancy admiring the capital's skyline while indulging in unique cocktails, 8 at The Londoner in Leicester Square is the place for you. The sky-high restaurant offers you fantastic views and quirky mixes such as their jasmine and yuzu margarita.
Overlooking the Thames, Hay's On The River is the ideal spot for cocktails and a waterside view. While tucking into fully-loaded pizzas and cheeseburgers with raclette cheese, you and your pals can sip on drinks under the heated venue. Swoon.
Bringing you craft beers, bottles of wine and cocktails in a pretty stand-up location, Vinegar Yard is a great choice for food and drinks with mates. Round up your crew and head to London Bridge for views of The Shard, vintage markets on the weekend and street food traders.
With views of Tower Bridge from a lovely terrace that's decked out with foliage and neon lights, All Bar One Butler's Wharf is a great choice of cocktail bars with a view in London. Sip your way through classics or signature concoctions (there's a huge list), all while enjoying brunch or small plates.
Bringing you cocktails with a view of London's skyline is The Cross, which fronts a stunning rooftop with panoramic views around King's Cross. Sip lemon meringue-flavours concoctions, hazelnut old fashioneds and more here.
The Queen of Shoreditch serves both as a rooftop bar in London and a hub in one of the most interesting parts of the capital. Downstairs is decorated with window etchings, graffiti and ivy, but upstairs, the rooftop bar showcases the unique views of Hoxton. So grab a stool, have a bite to eat in the BBQ and take in the sights.
cloudM is a City of London rooftop that's delving out all the pretty cocktails to accompany views for days, including being able to see Tower of London and The Shard. With concoctions themed around things like Wimbledon and the Chelsea Flower Show, it's the ultimate experience of our capital.
Sit back and enjoy both the London skyline and the beauty of the River Thames at the Riverside Bar in Vauxhall. There are two outdoor terraces and both come equipped with heaters, but if that's not your style, they also serve up a mean Old Fashioned to help ease things along.
For cocktails with a smashing view of the capital, Pocket Square Skyline Bar & Terrace is a firm choice. Located on the ninth floor of Hyatt Place London City East, this gorgeous sky-high retreat is the ideal spot to quaff bespoke concoctions with loved ones.
Ideal for after work drinks in the summer, this stunning Wimbledon bar offers a rooftop terrace you won't want to miss. From its leafy seating areas and food menu, to overlooking the town, it's a must-visit spot when the sun finally decides to show itself.
No.35 Mackenzie Walk is dishing up tasty food, cocktails and calming waterside views from its gorgeous Canary Wharf spot. Head to the outdoor terrace and recline in one of their comfy chairs as you sip on rhubarb bellinis and relax in the sun.
Located atop the Montcalm hotel in Finsbury Square, Aviary is a swanky and stylish cocktail bar and restaurant from the renowned ETM group. Head up for incredible views and sleek seating, perfect for a lazy summer's evening, or come winter, snuggling inside or in their igloos. The cocktail menu will have a range of classics and should you feel peckish, there's a delicious British menu to choose from.
Overlooking Canada Square, Wahaca Terrace Bar provides stunning views in the heart of Canary Wharf perfect for your after work drink. Order up some delicious street food while sipping a freshly shaken margarita, and enjoy the colourful décor and atmosphere.
With The Shard looming over it, and a rooftop just seconds from London Bridge, the London Bridge Rooftop does exactly what it says on the tin. When you're not taking snaps, snap up some affordable cocktails on the menu.
Craving a bit of booze after work? At the City of London, Vicinity is offering up delicious cocktails and dining over a heated terrace. Drink up, chow down on a few nibbles and enjoy pretty views of Tower Bridge.
Searching for something different in Peckham? Make your nights a little more interesting at Bussey Rooftop Bar. This sky-high boozer fronts an excellent selection of cocktails, as well as delicious pizza to chomp on while taking in the views.
Known for housing some of the swishest restaurants and bars, One Hundred also boasts a stunning rooftop, complete with pink marble tables, foliage and a sleek bar space. Plus, it has a private garden for you and your pals to settle in on your nights out.
Looking for London's best cocktails with a view? Head over to Park Lane where this 28th-floor bar is bringing you a stunning selection of classic and signature sips, best enjoyed while taking in the site of Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and the iconic city skyline.
Who doesn't love a creative cocktail from the lofty heights of a rooftop terrace? Wagtail has us completely sold, boasting beautiful views that overlook London's most famous landmarks, as well as a range of signature sips made with fresh ingredients to match.
Whether you're after afternoon tea, a British dinner or some bubbly cocktails, Scoff & Banter is a classic and swish restaurant that does it all to a beautiful backdrop of the O2 and river.
For a bit of alfresco sipping? Aqua Nueva over on Regents Street is serving up all kinds of delicious signatures and classics from their rooftop terrace. Highlights include the sweet escape, which mixes Pampero Blanc rum with Chambord, peach liqueur, Bergamot, passion fruit and vanilla.
After cocktail bars with a view in London? Sabine is the place to head, as there's not only an outdoor terrace overlooking St Paul's, but also the delish drinks to match. For when you get peckish, there's also a menu of sumptuous small plates.
On the hunt for fabulous sky-hight haunts? The Rooftop St James is the perfect plot, thanks to its gorgeous views of the city and cosy plush blankets. If that wasn't enough, the cocktails range from signature sangria to the Banana Republic and much more.
Open from early til late, Jin Bo Law is one of the coolest drinking spots in the City of London. This party bar (hosting regular DJ events) keeps it cool with beautiful views, as well as sumptuous interiors, a refreshing cocktail list and delicious Asian nibbles.
DesignMyNight Exclusive Offer - Complimentary glass of Prosecco with every Weekend Brunch
Make your way over to Florattica for a fabulous range of quirky cocktails, such as the Alma, made up of Casamigos Blanco, Hibiscus Amores Espadin, Ancho Reyes, lavender and citrus. While you sip away merrily, make sure to soak up the eye-catching views from this rooftop bar. If you visit this sky-high haunt anytime on the weekend before the 28th of April for a £40 brunch, you'll receive a complimentary glass of prosecco. Stunning.
For cocktails with a view in London, there is no better spot than Radio Rooftop. Located on the top of one of the city's best boutique hotels, you can spot all the sights of London while sipping on some of their stunning cocktail creations.
Gaze out over London's skyline as you sip on LSQ Rooftop's signature cocktails. You'll find this swanky spot perched atop Indigo Hotel for views of the Shard, London Eye, Big Ben and more. Whether you're looking to have after work drinks or enjoy a few with a sit-down meal, this is just the place.